Report shines light on public service corrruption

John Elferink has told parliament the contents of a report about public service procurement were enough to send a shiver down his spine.

Jack Kerr

Attorney General John Elferink says he has been informed of a case of corruption within the Northern Territory public service involving millions of dollars.

A report by the Commissioner for Public Interest Disclosures has revealed some public servants engaged in government procurement have been involved in corrupt practices.

Mr Elferink has told parliament he has committed additional resources to investigate further.

He says the commissioner's report refers only to the last financial year and there may be other instances of corruption within the public service.

"There are a number of matters, which are not in this report, that are of concern," he said.

"There is one particular matter ... which involves, potentially, millions of dollars worth of contracts.

"I will not say anything more about it at this stage."

Mr Elferink told parliament the report's contents were enough to send a shiver down his spine.

"Investigations have revealed that, in some public bodies, a clan mentality exists within certain small work groups where improper conduct is tolerated and supported ... and where the giving and receiving of gifts and benefits is a common practice," he said.